Year of the Reaper by Makiia Lucier - Restarting October 21st 2022

[Dannii]

The past never forgets . . .

Before an ambush by enemy soldiers, Lord Cassia was an engineer's apprentice on a mission entrusted by the king. But when plague sweeps over the land, leaving countless dead and devastating the kingdom, even Cas’ title cannot save him from a rotting prison cell and a merciless sickness.

Three years later, Cas wants only to return to his home in the mountains and forget past horrors. But home is not what he remembers. His castle has become a refuge for the royal court. And they have brought their enemies with them.

When an assassin targets those closest to the queen, Cas is drawn into a search for a killer…one that leads him to form an unexpected bond with a brilliant young historian named Lena. Cas and Lena soon realize that who is behind the attacks is far less important than why. They must look to the past, following the trail of a terrible secret—one that could threaten the kingdom’s newfound peace and plunge it back into war.

[Vippi]

Hi Dannii!
I have started today since I'll have a quite busy weekend and I know I'll eventually fall behind 😅
I hope it won't be a problem for you.

31%
(view spoiler)[So far I am really enjoying it. The writing is beautiful and I am eager to know more about this world.

At the moment, I am wondering about what happened to Mari. In the prologue, Jehan seemed to expect her to follow, but Mari was not in the final party that arrived in Palmerin. Tbh, I can't shrug off the idea that she might be the archer...

I am also quite curious about Abril and why she seems so worn out and troubled. (hide spoiler)]

[Vippi]

76%
(view spoiler)[We know for sure that Mari is behind the murder attempts, as we know that the queen and Ventillas are hiding something. I am dying to know their secret.

So far I am loving this book :) (hide spoiler)]

[Vippi]

Finished
(view spoiler)[I must say I didn't see it coming. I was so sure that the murderer was Mari that I never stopped to question it.

I really loved this book. Above all, I adored the characters - flawed and complex and so real (obviously Cas, but also Lena, Ventillas, Bittor...).
I was quite scared before starting this book. My biggest fear was to step into a very grim, dark story. It was wonderful to see how this book, even though addressing loss, death and grief, can send a message full of hope.

I will surely check the other books the Author wrote ;) (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Your five star rating has me excited to start this one. I'm super behind on my reading so will be starting it next week :)

[Vippi]

Hi Dannii!
I didn't expect to enjoy this one so much, but I ended up loving it.
I hope you'll enjoy it too :)

OT: I wrote down we have a BR of scheduled for the 9th. If you want we can postpone it ;)

[Dannii]

Vippi wrote: "Hi Dannii!
I didn't expect to enjoy this one so much, but I ended up loving it.
I hope you'll enjoy it too :)

OT: I wrote down we have a BR of scheduled for t..."

That would be great, if you wouldn't mind!

[Vippi]

Dannii wrote: "Vippi wrote: "Hi Dannii!
I didn't expect to enjoy this one so much, but I ended up loving it.
I hope you'll enjoy it too :)

OT: I wrote down we have a BR of s..."

It's not a problem at all :)
Just let me know when it suits you ;)

[Dannii]

Thanks, Vippi. I've really sucked on reading for this challenge lol.

I'm was hoping to finish off some current reads this weekend but have been scheduled in to work and am unsure when my next day off is before Christmas. Regardless, I'll be starting this book on Monday and then would the 18th work for you for Hotel?

[Vippi]

Hi Dannii!

I hear you. These days are crazy for me too.

I have two BRs planned for Dec 17th and 21st. Would you mind postponing Hotel Magnifique to December 24th?

[Jenn]

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Date changed. Restarting October 21st 2022. Happy Reading ☺

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[Brigia]

21%

(view spoiler)[I love this so far! The first meeting of Cass and Lena was so cute and funny! And then he proves himself to be a true hero by rescuing a baby. All the characters are interesting and something exciting happens every other minute - I guess this will end up being a fast read for me :-) (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Starting this today or tomorrow 😊

[Brigia]

43%
(view spoiler)[The whole statue thing was hilarious! I loved how Cass's brother was so embarassed about it - and that he cared enough to have it built in the first place. I really like the dynamic between those two!
Actually, there are so many great characters in this, it's a joy to read. I expected this to be a lot darker from the description and the cover, but it's been more sweet and funny than gruesome so far. I wonder about Faustina. I disliked her at Cass's first meeting and now someone apparently wants to kill her? That makes no sense. And what is this high counsilor guy up to? (hide spoiler)]

[Brigia]

Dannii wrote: "Starting this today or tomorrow 😊"

I think you'll love this :-)

[Danique]

I don't have a lot of time to read so I'm going slow, but I'm enjoying it so far.

Ch 6
(view spoiler)[Kinda hesitant to start this right after This Vicious Grace, which I adored lol. At least it’s a shorter book this time! I love that it’s from the guy’s POV bc that doesn’t happen often. So he can see the dead & is one of the only people who has survived the plague damn. His actions in that prison were badass tho. I’m guessing the girl is the princess from the prologue then? The one with the name that’s a man’s name in my country, Jehan.

Damn at least he’s finally back with his family, but still shit what a procession of events. Lena is not the queen, I already don’t like the queen tbh, and I’m interested to learn more about all the servants and such! Lena was probably the archer then, but why? Maybe Jehan brought the plague? (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Ch 12
(view spoiler)[Hot damn can’t believe that Faro dude did get a ransom note but lied & didn’t tell Ventillas omg. Do think I’ll like Ventillas. Not sure about Cas right now lol. The hand scene was brutal pff. Lena seems to like Jehan so she’s not the one behind the attack then, I now have my money on Abril because they’re all talking oddly about her. The mace is on the cover and everything so love that lol, and the statue is so terrible 😂 How on earth did he survive that near drowning by the way - why do I feel like he’s actually just dead already and that’s why he sees ghosts and all that?🤣

I’m not sure why, but I don’t really like Lena at all, maybe because she keeps claiming his horse? It’s kinda annoying idk. They’re definitely hiding something about Jehan’s trip here though, definitely something about her friends deaths. Cas will definitely see Lena’s dead grandfather at some point & the granfather will tell Cas about what happened probably, they’ll be a useful historical duo with him talking to ghosts lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Brigia wrote: "21%

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I agree, Cas seems like quite a good person! The 'cutting off his hand' bit was kinda unlike him, idk? (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Brigia wrote: "43%
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yess the statue had me laughing! Their relationship is so great. Faustina seems really odd, and I can't wait to learn more about her. I agree with you about the high counsilor guy, there must be something going on with him; Cas randomly mentioned that he smelled like some specific thing so that's definitely going to come back. It's quite YA for me so far, I'm not necessarily loving the relationship between Cas and Lena since it kind of seems like he immediately loved her, but maybe I'll feel different in a bit. (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Ch 18
(view spoiler)[Omg so Mari is then DEFINITELY the one behind the arrow, she isn’t confirmed dead so she obviously isn’t then. But why would she want Jehan dead, maybe bc she left her and made her leave her father? Definitely hate the Dimas people.

Awww Ventillas lost his lover, poor thing. Can’t wait for Cas to tell him that he can see ghosts. It’s so obvious that the queen is hiding the fact that she knows who the archer is, or at least that it’s Mari I’m already over it lol. Mari's a straight up bitch tho damn, that chase scene, already hate her. I like the ‘mystery’ although the plot is already so clear lol. Anyway, wasn’t surprised that Abril was dead but still, wanted to know her side of the story. I’m loving Jacomel so much, he better not die. They’re fiiiiinnally realizing themselves now that Mari must be the archer pffff took them long enough. (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Ch 24
(view spoiler)[Hmmm it can also be lady Rondilla then, since she seems to be the one who got screwed because Jehan married the king instead, revenge makes sense. Lena’s obsession with the horse still annoys me, and I honestly don’t feel their romance at all - we didn’t really get any romantic development, they just loved each other immediately apparently. Idk, don’t love that, the story could’ve definitely done without her, she barely adds anything. Can’t believe Faro is dead tho.

Damn Clara, poor kid! Didn’t know that Rondilla was the sister of that ambassador dude, don’t trust either of them for sure. Lena now truly knows that Cas can see ghosts and is weirdly accepting of it lol. Feel so bad for her hair though. Kinda liking Bittor, can’t get a read on him though😂

damn so then it really was Mari, kinda hate that it was so obvious after all ugh. Can’t believe she tried to kill a kid though wtf that bitch. But who was working with her? That must be Rondilla etc then. Poor Faulina, I do feel bad for Jehan but she’s clearly hiding shit so I can’t feel too bad. (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Unexpectedly finished this last night lol. I got a bit aggressive near the end, sorry for that XD

Ch 29
(view spoiler)[Didn’t expect Ventillas to be hiding something with the queen, they definitely did something back there. Thought for a sec they were having an affair but I don’t think that’s it after his lover died.

Holy shit that doctor dude tortured Mari?? It’s definitely her womb too that’s why she’s obsessed with children omg. HOLY FUCK JEHAN IS MARI AND MARI IS JEHAN HOLY SHIT THAT’S WHAT THEY'RE HIDING!!! So the queen got the plague instead of Mari omg I’m shook, didn’t expect that.

I hate both Bittor and Lena so FUCKING much right now, I want him to make them suffer and not just forgive and forget like I know he will. I’m so spitting mad that they left him there. I hate Lena so much. I also hate that they’re punishing Ventillas & the soldiers while it was definitely something that either the queen or Mari made him do.

SERIOUSLY???? He’s already begging for her forgiveness?? I’m so fucking mad, I’m never going to like this now. Lena is seriously mad at him while she was the one who fucking wronged him in the worst way?!? Bitch I hate her so much, pls catch the plague bye. Argh I’m so mad, I hate that he’s seriously already asking for her forgiveness fuck off she should be the one begging you for forgiveness. Did she even apologize?! How does she not understand the pain and trauma he was experiencing, argh I hate that bitch so much. I need a break. (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Finished
(view spoiler)[Poor Ventillas, I will truly miss him :( And poor king too. Of course Jehan asked it of Mari, that was once again obvious ugh. I hate that he gave Lena his horse ugh. It was obvious that the commander had been blackmailed, but I still feel bad for him & his death.

That’s the end???? So many things are left unsolved??? I mean seriously, Ventillas just disappeared and we don’t know where he went or if he’ll be alright. I wanted to see his happily ever after. Furthermore, we still don’t know why Cas can see ghosts, nor why he can see some and can’t see others. Then there’s the matter of Jehan, it kinda seems like she’s not dead now since he didn’t see her? And then there’s the biggest plothole ever of Jehans family coming to visit - because seriously why the fuck haven’t they yet??? maybe bc of the plague but still - and then finding Mari there. How will that be solved then??? Seriously, that’s just bullshit! Dammit, there are just a lot of plotholes left, it’s like this movie I once saw with some crazy cool things happening and then at the end nothing got explained and they just said ‘we have a lot to tell you!’ instead of explaining anything; this is exactly like that. I would’ve enjoyed it way more without Lena too, she had zero added value to me and she was freaking annoying. It seemed like a book I could love, and although I really enjoyed Cas - even though he was truly a John Sue - and that it was from his POV, there were many aspects at the end that were just not it. Hm. The romance also seemed forced and out of nowhere. The plottwist of the Jehan Mari switch was cool tho, didn’t expect that, nor that creepy doctor. Once again something that could’ve been exploited more but that plotline was done with in like 10 seconds. Sorry I’m rambling, just quite mad about the plotholes. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

First quarter - (view spoiler)[This had a super intriguing prologue, introducing the reader to those fleeing from the plague, and a just as interesting first chapter, introducing the reader to Cas and his ability to see the dead.

Cas and Lena have become travelling companions as he searches to see if his brother is dead or alive. We quickly find out he is alive and the heir to the throne. It is Cas who has been missing from home for three years. Cas and Lena are both outcasts in these wealthy surroundings and I'm already assuming a romance will blossom. (hide spoiler)]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[Cooks is fantasy books are always the kindest people and the one here was no exception!

I can understand Lena's frustrations living in the castle and needing to act a lady and have men guarding her when she previously lived a quiet and free existence with her grandfather. (hide spoiler)]

[Brigia]

62% (End of Chapter 20)

(view spoiler)[I feel so bad for Ventillas losing his love to the plague, and apparently he can't even grieve for him openly. I like him so much, I really want him to get a happy end! The brother relationship continues to be one of the best parts of this story. (hide spoiler)]

[Brigia]

Danique wrote: "Brigia wrote: "43%
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I agree, the romance part is a bit too easy, I like more drama lol Though I still think it's sweet how she gets so angry on his behalf when the guards take him down. (hide spoiler)]

[Brigia]

Danique wrote: "Brigia wrote: "21%

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ He keeps saying that he has changed during his imprisonment - I think he has seen much violence and is now capable of doing stuff like that because of that. I thought it made sense from that perspective. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third Quarter- (view spoiler)[The mysteries surrounding Lady Mina's whereabouts, the arrival of Clara, the source of the plague, and the coins are so interesting! (hide spoiler)]

Fourth Quarter- (view spoiler)[I had such a good time with this one, more so in the second half when the focus was on mystery solving and the switching of the queen with her lady in waiting. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Brigia wrote: "21%

[spoilers removed]"

The sweetest and funniest little meet cute.

[Dannii]

Brigia wrote: "43%..."

(view spoiler)[I totally agree about tge tone being lighter than anticipated, but not in an unlikable way. I thought this would be more war or battle focused. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Danique wrote: "I don't have a lot of time to read so I'm going slow, but I'm enjoying it so far.

Ch 6
Kinda hesitant to start this right after This Vicious Grace, which I adored lol. At least it’s a shorter book..."

Oooh I'll have to check that boom out 😊

(view spoiler)[This book had such a strong start, for me. I really loved Cas' perspective and how strong he remained given all he had survived and witnessed. It never felt like a dark read despite that though. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Danique wrote: "Ch 12
..."

(view spoiler)[I had the sane same theories about first Lena then Abril too! (hide spoiler)]

[Brigia]

End of chapter 26

(view spoiler)[ Wow, I did not see that coming! In hindsight, it should have been obvious, but I never guessed. Everything makes sense now - I understand why they would have Mari switch identities, to keep the peace; but they probably should not have kept this from the king. I have no idea how he will react to this, if he finds out. And Cas is now bound to protect the queen, not the king - so does that mean Mari or Jehan? I can't wait to find out how this will end! (hide spoiler)]

[Brigia]

Finished
(view spoiler)[I really enjoyed this - it was exciting, with twists I didn't see coming, and I couldn't stop reading, especially at the end. The scene with Mari and Jehan and the BABY in the middle of it - I was biting my nails! It was so creepy. Also the man without tongue who fell in love with Jehan and died in the fire with her - so sad for everyone involved!
The mystery aspect here was perfect! Like Danique, I feel the weak point was the love story. I did like Lena, and there wasn't anything technically wrong with it - a sweet meet cute, a slow getting to know one another - but it was missing a spark, idk. And I also wanted a happy end for Ventillas so much! At least he wasn't beheaded, I guess lol (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Brigia wrote: "Finished
I really enjoyed this - ..."

(view spoiler)[I felt pretty much the same as you. The mysteries kept me reading but I also didn't feel anything super deeply for the characters, especially concerning their romantic interests. It was solidly enjoyable throughout though. (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Brigia wrote: "62% (End of Chapter 20)

[spoilers removed]"

I completely agree, their relationship was the best for sure!!

[Danique]

Brigia wrote: "Danique wrote: "Brigia wrote: "21%

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yeah that’s definitely true, his imprisonment has made him a lot more violent! He’s still not too violent but he does have some tendencies (hide spoiler)]

[Danique]

Dannii wrote: "Third Quarter- [spoilers removed]

Fourth Quarter- [spoilers removed]"

Yess I agree, loved the mystery!

[Danique]

Dannii wrote: "Danique wrote: "I don't have a lot of time to read so I'm going slow, but I'm enjoying it so far.

Ch 6
Kinda hesitant to start this right after This Vicious Grace, which I adored lol. At least it’..."

I agree, it’s a lot lighter than I expected, but like you said, not in a bad way

[Danique]

Brigia wrote: "Finished
[spoilers removed]"

Yess that was so creepy!! (view spoiler)[ I agree that it was still enjoyable, but I just feel like there are so many unanswered things left at the end? I mean, we still don’t know why Cas can see ghosts, it doesn’t make sense that that isn’t explained since no one else can do it, then there’s the whole Jehan thing - her family will visit at some point, so that isn’t solved at all?? They’ll definitely think that the king killed Jehan or something, why would they believe their crazy plague story? I’m sorry but there are just quite some plot holes left that annoy me :( (hide spoiler)]